# Life Lessons Scholarship Program

Essay- or video-based scholarship for college-bound students who lost a parent or guardian, run by the nonprofit Life Happens. The 2027 application is open February 1 through March 1, 2027.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Life Happens |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | 2027-03-01 (verified 2026-07-27) |
| Eligibility | Grade 12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://lifehappens.org/life-lessons-scholarship-program/application/ |

## About this program

# Life Lessons Scholarship Program

Life Happens, a nonprofit education organization, runs the Life Lessons Scholarship Program for young people whose parent or legal guardian has died - especially where inadequate life insurance left the family financially exposed. Entrants submit a short original essay or video rather than a conventional application packet, and the program has awarded more than $4.1 million to roughly 890 recipients at more than 400 schools.

## What You'll Do

- Write an original 500-word essay or record a 3-minute video about how the death of your parent or guardian affected you emotionally and financially
- Address how the loss changed your college plans, how the lack of adequate life insurance coverage affected your family's finances, and what you have done to provide for yourself or your family
- Submit through the online application, which is open only between February 1 and March 1 - late entries are not accepted
- Review the full program rules before entering

## Who Should Apply

College-bound high school seniors and current college students between 17 and 24 who have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian, are legal residents of the United States or Puerto Rico, and will attend a U.S. or Puerto Rico college, university, or trade school in the upcoming fall. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian's permission to enter.

## Outcomes

Recipients receive scholarship funds toward undergraduate study and are profiled on the Life Happens site; the program is one of the few national awards built specifically around the financial aftermath of losing a parent.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the application deadline for Life Lessons Scholarship Program?

The application deadline is March 1, 2027 (deadline last verified July 27, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Life Lessons Scholarship Program?

Life Lessons Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Life Lessons Scholarship Program online or in person?

Life Lessons Scholarship Program is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Life Lessons Scholarship Program?

Apply directly through Life Happens's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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